The purpose of this assignment is to critically review an original research article aimed to study an aging related issue – aging health (physical or mental), aging policy, or management.
For this assignment you have two options. One is to review the research article already selected for you which is listed below and is made available on Blackboard under the Assignments tab.
Wang Jing-Jy, Lin Yun-Hsuan, Hsieh Ling-Yu (2011). Effects of gerotranscendence support group on gerotranscendence perspective, depression, and life satisfaction of institutionalized elders. Aging and Mental Health, 15(5), 580-586.
Alternatively, you can select an aging related topic of your own choosing that addresses ideas more specific to your interests or a question that you wish to learn more about. For a detailed step-by-step instruction on how to conduct a literature search, you may consider referencing the chapter in your textbook titled “How to Research a Term Paper in Gerontology”. In addition, you can access the UMBC library at https://researchport.umd.edu and conduct your literature search that way. Some examples of journals that address age related studies include: Age, Annals of Long Term Care, Gerontology, Generations: Journal of the American Society on Aging, Journal of Aging Studies, or Journal of Gerontology.
Regardless of which of the two options you choose, carefully read the selected article and write a critical analysis of its findings following the rubric listed below:
• Describe the purpose of the study. Look for the statement of the problem or a research question in the introductory portion of the paper. Paraphrase it using your own words so that the statement is simple and accessible. – 5 pts.
• Provide background on the topic by synthesizing the literature review section of the article. What is known about this issue? What other research has been done in this area? What is lacking in what we know about this issue? (i.e., what “hole” in our knowledge is the current study trying to fill?) – 10 pts.
• Briefly describe the methods and design of the study. Who was the targeted population? Who was included in the sample? Who was excluded and why? How big was the sample size? Was the study controlled? (i.e., were there a control group and an experimental group?) Was the sample randomly selected? What was the research hypothesis? – 5 pts.
• Describe the findings or results of the study: What conclusions could be drawn from the analysis of the results? Do these conclusions answer the original question posed? From your perspective, what additional questions come to mind? – 10 pts.
• Analyze the weaknesses and strengths of the study: Were there problems with the design? Sample size? Extraneous variables that may explain the results? Do you think the results can be applied to the general population? (i.e., are they valid and reliable?) Why or why not? – 15 pts.
• Based on the above, describe what recommendations you would make for future studies on this topic. What more would you like to learn about this issue? What design flaw from the current study would you like to overcome with a new study? -20 pts.
• Describe the implications of the study’s findings for older adults. How can these results be applied to the “real world”? Be specific & offer examples – 15 pts.
• Follow the writing guidelines articulated in the syllabus (see “Guidelines for Preparing Written Assignments”). Be sure to write this assignment in your own words, rather than “regurgitate” the original article. For the purposes of grading, a well written assignment shows the writer’s solid grasp of the content through depth of analysis, rather than simple paraphrasing. Limit your assignment length to 750-800 words. Follow APA style for writing and formatting your assignment, citations, and references. If you are not familiar with APA, use the resources provided on Blackboard to help you. Prior to uploading your file, give it a name using the following format: AGNG200_LastName_FirstName_FileName – 20 pts.
• Submit your assignment using SafeAssign on Blackboard no later than 12 midnight on Week 9. Note above stated penalties for late submissions.